Scunthorpe Samaritans is calling on cyclists to get on their bikes for this year's Tour of North Lincs Sportive and help raise vital funds.

A team of six from North Lincolnshire housing provider Ongo is among those who have already signed up for the event in September to raise money for the charity, and Scunthorpe Samaritans is hoping others will join in.

This year the event takes place on Sunday, September 9, which has added significance for Scunthorpe Samaritans as it is the day before World Suicide Prevention Day, which means the charity will not only be raising funds on the day but will be raising awareness of those who are struggling to cope.

The Tour of North Lincs Sportive is being hosted by North Lincolnshire Council and Curly's Athletes and Sportive HQ. It will begin in Central Park and cyclists can choose to take part in rides over 23, 60, or 103 miles.

Scunthorpe Samaritans is asking people to sign up to take part in the event and raise money, choosing how far they would like to ride.

Rachel Johnson, director of Scunthorpe Samaritans, said: "We’re inviting anybody who is interested in cycling and who would like to support Scunthorpe Samaritans to get in touch with us and sign up to do a sponsored ride to raise money and awareness for Scunthorpe Samaritans.

Andy is expecting cycling along the Humber Bank at South Ferriby to be challenging

"This year the event coincides with World Suicide Prevention Day, so we will be working to raise money and awareness, and by riding, together, we can help save lives.

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"Eight hundred thousand people in the world take their own life by suicide each year and 6,000 in the UK. World Suicide Prevention Day is organised by the World Health Organisation and the International Association for Suicide Prevention with the aim of preventing suicide," she added.

Andy McFadden, operations manager homes and gardens at Ongo, is one of the cyclists taking part, and it will be his second time cycling in the tour after completing it last year.

"We’re really looking forward to raising money for Scunthorpe Samaritans as it’s a great local cause, and one we support throughout the year here at Ongo.

"Our team’s made up of six Ongo staff members. Four of us are riding 103 miles, and the other two members will be covering 60 miles," said Andy, who has been cycling for four years.

"Throughout North Lincolnshire we have almost 10,000 homes, so we’ll definitely pass loads on the way," he added.

Andy is expecting cycling along the Humber Bank at South Ferriby to be challenging and is also looking forward to pedalling past the River Trent and through to Messingham.

Jono Frary, of Curly's Athletes and Sportive HQ, said: "We’re really happy to welcome the ONGO team to our event and hope that we can encourage other riders to join in supporting the Scunthorpe Samaritans to raise funds and awareness about the great work they do.

"It's a real challenge for the team but on beautiful routes with lots of support and well stocked feed stations."

The cost to sign up for the sponsored ride in aid of Scunthorpe Samaritans is £60 which includes a cycling shirt, and which will be refunded if you raise £120.